6 April 2023
The free 10-night Parrtjima - A Festival in Light kicks off in the heart of Australia tomorrow, illuminating the MacDonnell Ranges and the red sand at Alice Springs Desert Park with Aboriginal culture.
During the festival, visitors will be immersed in culture through stunning large-scale light installations, music, talks, workshops, film and more.
Highlights of the opening weekend include a Welcome to Country, and performance by The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band tomorrow night, followed by talks with Steven Oliver and Richard Frankland on Saturday evening, and live music from Radical Son.
Joining the program on Sunday are Mutitjulu artists Rene Kulitja, Charmaine Kulitja and Christine Brumby, who were involved in creating the artwork surrounding the Statement from the Heart, which has been transformed into the main light installation at Desert Park.
To view the full program and find out what is on during the rest of the event, visit https://parrtjimaaustralia.com.au/ here
If you can't make it to Parrtjima this year, follow here to enjoy a virtual tour, which will be live from 7pm on Friday, 7 April.
Quote from Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
"This unique festival showcases the beauty of the Red Centre, and the region's ancient and strong Aboriginal culture.
"While providing a memorable experience for those who attend, Parrtjima also delivers much for the local community, with visitors expected to stay and explore the unique desert landscape, supporting the local economy.
"Research shows Parrtjima 2022 resulted in almost 35,000 visitor nights, with a total expenditure stimulus of $14.7 million for the Territory."
Quote from Parrtjima Curator, Rhoda Roberts:
"Parrtjima is an experience not to be missed. The power of song and the reclamation of language and its importance is filtered across the program as we move into a new future, and as Australians seek to know more about the oldest living culture on the planet.
"Through the continuing age-old practice of painting country we experience the creation and the connection represented in the art and hearts of our first peoples."
Northern Territory Government
